Local

Orange County officials looking to test wastewater for omicron variant

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Health officials in Orange County said they’re working on a way to test wastewater for the omicron variant of COVID-19.

But even when the test is complete, it may not have a quick turnaround.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

Utilities department officials said the variant has more mutations than past ones have had, meaning getting answers may take longer.

READ: Omicron COVID-19 variant & vaccines: What you need to know

County Mayor Jerry Demings said they’re getting a test ready that will be able to detect whether or not the omicron variant is showing up in Orange County wastewater.

The utilities department said it’s been working since May conducting tests that help the county determine where the highest spread is, and ultimately, where to put vaccination locations and testing sites.

READ: Coronavirus: First case of omicron variant discovered in US

There’s no timeline on when the specific variant test will be made available.

Coronavirus: Should you wait to get a booster until there’s an omicron-specific shot?

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

Adam Poulisse, WFTV.com

Adam Poulisse joined WFTV in November 2019.